Hot topics

What are the issues that have ARC members' tongues wagging?

The
treaty referendum
It looks like the hot issue for the next year is going to be the proposed
provincial referendum on treaties. Whether it results in any changes to
the current process or not (or whether it even comes about at all) it's
sure to provide a springboard for debating a wide-range of Native-related
issues in BC.

The
Delgamuukw decision
This historic decision clarifies the definition of aboriginal title, states that First
Nations have mineral rights to their lands, and requires compensation for infringements on
aboriginal title. The potential implications of this decision on BC could be profound.

The
Friends of the Lubicon court case
The Supreme Court has thrown Daishowa's case against the Friends of the Lubicon out of
court. The group can now continue with the boycott without a multi-million dollar lawsuit
hanging over their heads - the court's only stipulation being that they not use the term
"genocide" in their campaign literature.

Gustafsen
Lake and Ipperwash
Why is our government so willing to use armed force against Native protesters? At
Ipperwash, an unarmed group of Natives protesters were attacked in a paramilitary raid by
the Ontario Provincial Police. One protester, Dudley George, was shot dead, and several
others were injured. Gustafsen Lake saw the largest military operation in Canadian history
directed at a small group of protesters. This page lists articles from various sources
that examine these events.